A giltwood George II Kentian looking-glass

Isaac Ware wrote in 1756 that there were three types of interior decoration – ones that emphasised either Dignity, Neatness, or Shew [Show]. The Kentian style, which this mirror is a good example of, was mainly about the Dignity.

Serious and sober Kentian looking-glasses underline the Patrician virtues. Nowadays, they help lend an understated grandeur.

There was no original gilding present when the piece came to us so we have regilded it, in 22ct gold leaf using the water-gilding process (naturally).

We have left the gilding fairly bright compared to most regilds we undertake. This looking-glass would be ideal in the pier space between windows – walls that are often a little dim and where the bright gold will add light and lustre, as was intended in the 18th century.